Workforce Development & Training Sessions

Technology is amazing, but manufacturing is also a business. Workforce development and training sessions at WESTEC will help you to grow your business and understand how to maximize your profits and exceed customer expectations.

September 12, 2017 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Millions of dollars of new funding was recently released by the State of California – specifically for workforce development. Learn how your company can take advantage of these funds to up-skill your team members in essential skills and advanced technologies. Ensure that you get the support you need to develop talent in your organization.

September 13, 2017 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Meet major industry OEMs and learn from their supplier development teams what it takes to ‘run with the big dogs’. Understand what certifications and technical requirements are needed, their selection process and more. Also, meet face to face with company representatives following the panel.

September 13, 2017 11:00 am – 11:30 am
The perfect storm of decreasing costs for robotics and machine tools, the dramatic increase in artificial intelligence, and the proliferation of connected devices will usher in an ever increasing demand for a technology savvy workforce across multiple sectors to include manufacturing. It is imperative to get ahead of this now by creating opportunities for companies and schools to engage young people into activities that get them excited about joining the future advanced manufacturing workforce. FlexFactor, a program developed by NextFlex, one of the National Manufacturing Institutes for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation, does just this by blending entrepreneurship, technology, and project based learning into a rapidly growing success.

September 13, 2017 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
See how your shop compares to the country’s leading machining businesses in this comprehensive benchmarking program, which identifies optimal shop-floor practices as well as operational and business metrics that define world-class competitiveness in discrete parts manufacturing. Whether your company is a small job shop or a large captive operation, you’ll be able to take advantage of survey data gathered from a number of machining businesses. Not only will this benchmarking data serve as your baseline “report card,” it will eliminate your need to rely on gut feelings to identify and prioritize improvement efforts.

September 13, 2017 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
The space industry is harnessing a new generation of innovators to fuel its meteoric rise to the cosmos. But how do top companies find the tools and talent to soar? Our star panel will discuss the technologies and opportunities allowing mankind to fly higher, reach farther, and travel faster – including what it takes for manufacturers to find people with the right skills to get us there.

September 14, 2017 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
This powerhouse panel is a must see. Additive Manufacturing technology is changing so quickly that if you blink you’ll be left behind. Hundreds of companies and products have launched already this year. From 3D printed shoes to flight qualified metal parts – learn about the latest applications, materials and machines that will transform manufacturing.